Sammani Tariqah
The Sammani Tariqah is a reformist branch of the revivalist Khalwati Tariqah, founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Sammani in the eighteenth century. It represents a significant movement within Islamic sufism, emphasizing strict adherence to formal Islamic law and challenging traditional practices like the veneration of saints.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الطريقة السمانية (al-Ṭarīqa al-Sāmānīya)
- Turkish: Sammani Tarikat
Historical Context and Expansion
Sammani Tariqah originated in the 18th century and quickly expanded into various regions including Sumatra, Indonesia, Egypt, and Sudan. Its expansion continued into the 19th century, making it a formidable order in the Malay peninsula and throughout Africa.
Ideological Foundation
The movement is marked by its commitment to Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) and its opposition to the veneration of saints, which were common practices within many other Sufi orders. This ideological clarity provided a robust organizational structure and served as an inspiration for more militant revivalist movements.
Influence and Prominent Adherents
Southeast Asia
- In Southeast Asia, the writings of the scholars (shaikhs) from the Sammani Tariqah provided the intellectual and spiritual foundation for the 19th and 20th-century jihads against Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia.
Sudan
- One of the most notable adherents was Muhammad Ahmad ibn Abd Allah, known as the Sudanese Mahdi, who leveraged the teachings of the Sammani Tariqah to critique corrupt practices in faith and governance in Sudan. He declared himself the Mahdi, positioning the tariqah as a significant force in local organization and resistance to Egyptian rule alongside other Sufi orders like the Khatmi and Majdhubi.
Key Characteristics
- Formal Compliance to Islamic Law: The Sammani Tariqah emphasizes strict adherence to formal Islamic jurisprudence.
- Opposition to Saint Veneration: Contrary to many Sufi practices, the Sammani Tariqah opposes the worship or veneration of saints.
- Organizational Framework: It provided a structured framework for other militant revivalist movements.
- Militant Revivaliism: Inspired and organized jihadist movements in various regions, notably against colonial powers.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Revivalism in Colonial Indonesia: The Local and the Global Salafi in Sumatra” by William R. Roff
- “Muslim Societies in Africa: A Historical Anthropology” by Roman Loimeier
- “The Mahdiyya: Study of Kom Sudan under Muhammad Ahmad Genusswert West Sudanesischen Mahdi, 1881-1984 AN”
Takeaways
- Historical Significance: The Sammani Tariqah played a crucial role in revivalist Islamic movements during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Regional Impact: It influenced various regions, ensuring its significant cultural, social, and political impacts, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Opposition to Traditional Practices: Its shift from traditional saint veneration marked a paradigm change within many Sufi practices.
Conclusion
The Sammani Tariqah presents an example of how Sufi orders can evolve, influence political movements, and contribute to the socio-religious landscape of regions they affect. Its foundation in strict Islamic principles and opposition to certain traditional practices notably positioned it as a catalyst for reform and resistance in the Islamic world.
